Once I lived the life of a millionaire,
Spending all my money, I just did not care.
Taking my friends out for a mighty good time,
Bootleg whiskey, champagne and wine.

Then I began to fall so low,
Lost all my good friends and nowhere to go.
If I get my hands on a dollar again,
I'm gonna hang onto it till the eagle grins.

Cause nobody knows you
When you're down and out.
In my pocket, not one penny,
And my friends, I haven't any.

But if I get myself back on my feet again,
Everybody wanna be my long-lost friend.
It's mighty strange, without a doubt,
Nobody knows you when you're down and out.
I mean, when you're down and out.